Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is attempting to quash rumours linking Max Verstappen with a move to the Silver Arrows for 2026 and beyond.
Speculation has arisen amid Red Bull's patchy form, with their star driver only able to finish fourth on Sunday.
It has even been suggested that Wolff has been launching a 'charm offensive' behind the scenes as he looks to recruit the Dutchman.
However, the Mercedes chief has now attempted to downplayed the rumours by setting the record straight.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is attempting to quash rumours linking Max Verstappen with a move to the Silver Arrows for 2026 and beyond
REUTERS
"No reaction," Wolff told Sky Deutschland in Shanghai when faced with the latest Verstappen speculation. "The silly season starts early this year, maybe now. We stand behind the decision we have made and our two drivers."
The Mercedes team principal has expressed complete confidence in his current driver lineup.
George Russell has secured podium finishes in the last two races, whilst 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli was voted 'driver of the day' at the Chinese Grand Prix.
"He is delivering sensational performances," Wolff said of Russell. "And it's incredible how calm Kimi is driving at just 18 years of age. So nothing has changed."
When pressed specifically about signing Verstappen, Wolff was dismissive: "That question is not relevant now. There is no exchange there."
Thank you Shanghai 🇨🇳 Leaving with some positives!#KeepPushing pic.twitter.com/YhoEzBrWhe
— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) March 23, 2025
Despite Wolff's denials, speculation continues to mount that four-time world champion Verstappen could leave Red Bull for Mercedes in 2026.
The Dutch driver currently sits eight points behind Lando Norris in the drivers' standings after failing to make the podium at the Chinese Grand Prix.
Red Bull's performance has notably declined, with Verstappen himself acknowledging they may now be the "fourth team" behind McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes.
This downturn comes amid what some are calling a "crisis" at Red Bull, potentially activating exit clauses in Verstappen's contract.
Dutch reporter Jack Plooij has gone as far as suggesting a deal with Mercedes is "basically done".
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Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes negotiations between Verstappen and Mercedes are already underway behind the scenes.
"Max is impatient, and rightly so," the German told Sky Deutschland. "I wouldn't want to be there to see what happens in that meeting."
Schumacher pointed to Red Bull's ongoing struggles as a key factor in Verstappen's potential departure.
"I wouldn't be surprised if there are already negotiations going on in the background," he added.
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"Next year is a completely new car, a completely new engine. And they can't even get this current combination made by Adrian Newey right," Schumacher said.
Verstappen himself has acknowledged Red Bull's performance issues when asked if they had fallen to fourth in the pecking order.
"It seems that way," he admitted to Dutch reporters after the Chinese Grand Prix.
Despite the speculation, Verstappen maintains he remains committed to helping Red Bull improve.
Max Verstappen could only finish fourth in Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix
REUTERS
When questioned about his motivation to pull Red Bull out of their current situation, he responded: "Yes, and I hear these conversations all the time.
"For me, nothing changes. In fact, I am very relaxed, very positive, I enjoy life.
"Every time I get into the car, I try to do the best I can."
